James Nowell

James consults on all aspects of theatre design, with an emphasis on team leading and stagelighting system design.

As a Director of Theatre Consultancy I’m involved in all aspects of our amazing projects from initial enquiry to conception, early designs through to opening. I’m inspired every day by the vision and determination of our clients and our fantastic, vibrant team’s never ending ability to create industry-leading venues all over the world. With a focus on Business Development, my role allows me to connect with clients and collaborators from all walks of life which is a daily joy!

What Excites You Most About Your Work

I love that every single day is different. No project is the same and everything we work on tells it’s own story as the design progresses. To be able to work on something from conception to completion over the course of two to ten years is deeply rewarding, especially leaving the legacy of incredible industry-defining venues as part of the world arts community

What Brought You to Charcoalblue

After a career working in theatres and on productions I was excited at the opportunity of joining a team creating new destinations for performance and events. I was keen to explore new learning within the fields of Architecture and Construction whilst bringing my experience of regional and international venues, small and large scall productions into the wider tapestry of the Charcoalblue team.

What Does Great Design or Experience Mean to You

I love that we’re constantly questioning this very question. To me great design must appropriately fit the needs of our client and who might be the user 10, 20 years after our client. How can our projects and buildings evolve over time as our arts continue to adapt and change. Often I enjoy our seemingly bold ideas that can actually be a simple bit of innovative problem solving, perhaps unlocking a challenging brief via something that’s not been done before.

A Project That Shaped How You Work

A central project to my love of what we get to do and one that’s shaped my career and working methods has been Wild Rice in Singapore. This was one of my first projects and one that allowed me to do a lot of travel and collaborate internationally with an incredible client and talented design team. We designed a beautiful and intimate thrust theatre for a theatre company presenting locally relevant and provocative work that had never had their own home. We bounced off their enthusiasm and excitement to create their own space that was truly “Wild Rice” from top to bottom. I’ve made life long friends with the client and it’s been highly emotive getting to go back and sit in the theatre which has made a huge impact in the local arts scene with the team thriving in their new space we created together.

What We Won’t Learn from Your CV

When I’m not busy working on projects or looking after our team, I’m normally found running the Bedfordshire countryside, creating Podcasts, walking the dog or occasionally even crocheting blankets and hats

Cultural Value That Inspires You to Go the Extra Mile

Having a clear framework of Cultural Values at Charcoalblue is a constant motivator for me to go the extra mile, as it gives real purpose to how we work and evolve together. I’m particularly inspired by the way our international and diverse team has grown organically through shared effort, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to supporting our clients and one another.A key value that drives me is our focus on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. In my day-to-day work, this means actively listening to different perspectives, being mindful of whose voices are represented, and ensuring that our processes and outcomes are inclusive and accessible. It encourages me to challenge assumptions, create space for others to contribute, and help foster an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to do their best work.Alongside this, Professional Excellence pushes me to consistently raise my standards. I aim to approach every task with care, curiosity, and accountability—whether that’s refining the quality of my outputs, seeking feedback, or finding better ways of working. It also means being proactive in learning and adapting, so that I can contribute meaningfully to both our team and our clients.Together, these values inspire me not only to deliver high-quality work, but to do so in a way that is thoughtful, inclusive, and aligned with the culture we are building as a team.